Distortion matrix concept for deep imaging in optical coherence tomography

In optical imaging, light propagation is affected by the medium inhomogeneities. Adaptive optics has been employed to compensate for sample-induced aberrations but the field-of-view is often limited to a single isoplanatic patch. Here, we propose a noninvasive approach based on the distortion matrix concept. This matrix basically connects any focusing point with the distorted part of its wave-front in reflection. Its time reversal and entropy analysis allow to correct for high-order aberrations over multiple isoplanatic areas. We demonstrate a Strehl ratio enhancement up to 2500 and a diffraction-limited resolution until a depth of ten scattering mean free paths through an opaque cornea.